Il Cortiletto Hotel

Castello Eurialo

by hquittner

The Siracusans were a creative and hardy group who ultimately rivalled Athens. Very fertile they founded 3 more colonies not far from S.,places for the adventurous and leisurely tourist to see,(Is there such a person?)The Castello is an immense fortress quite different from later types that we have seen elsewhere. Built to guard the land approach(NW) to Sir.,it sits on the highest part of the Epipolaen ridge (epi+polis) over-looking the city below. It is out in the country far from the ugly modern urban-industrial growth. It has rough gardens near the entrance where we had a picnic lunch.The fortress fell without a battle to the Romans in 212BC. No earthquakes or wars, only time-wear and overgrowth touch it. Bring a good diagram to understand it better and revel in the vistas and clambering around.We had the whole area to ourselves! To reach it go rt. off via Necropoli Grotticelli direction Belvedere, just before town. Coming from the N. thru town take the left fork beyond town. (see a map).

Riposto

by KoalaB

"Riposto Marina"

The marina here had just been completed and we were really impressed with the way in which it was run. Everything and everyone were so efficient and went out of their way to offer any assistance. Very modern facilities with excellent security provided for boats.
With the town right on its doorstep it made for very easy access to the local shops etc.

"Riposto marina"

From the marina one can see the town of Riposto and the live volcano, Mt Etna, towering above it.

"Mt Etna"

It was cold up here! We had arrived by small mini bus to the base of the volcano, then a ride on the cable car to get up higher, then picked up by huge 4WD vehicles which held about 18 people which took us even higher and then we got out and walked!
Mt Etna is 3,350 metres above sea level and I believe it is the highest active volcano in Europe.